The Office for Civil Rights’ (OCR) core mission as a law enforcement
agency is to ensure that recipients of federal funds do not engage in discriminatory
conduct. The Case Resolution and Investigation Manual (CRIM) provides OCR with
the procedures to promptly and effectively investigate and resolve complaints
against recipients allegedly engaging in discriminatory practices.

If OCR determines that written information provided to the U.S. Department
of Education (the Department) is a complaint, OCR will establish whether it
has sufficient information to proceed to complaint resolution. OCR will provide
complainants with assistance regarding the nature of their rights and of the
OCR investigation process. Additionally, OCR staff will provide appropriate
assistance to complainants who are persons with disabilities and individuals
of limited English proficiency.

For additional information on the complaint resolution process see Sections
602 and 606.

All information within investigation files is subject to Freedom of Information
Act and Privacy Act. (See Section 603.)

Section 101 Determine What Constitutes a Complaint

A complaint is a written or electronic statement to the
Department alleging that the rights of one or more persons have been violated
and requesting that the Department take action. Complaints may be filed online
as well as by mail, fax, or in person. Some correspondence that OCR receives,
even if it concerns an alleged civil rights violation, may not be a complaint.
Immediately upon receipt, OCR will determine whether or not the correspondence
is a complaint. Until OCR is able to accept electronic signatures, if a complaint
is filed electronically, by e-mail or fax, a signed consent form must be secured
in lieu of a signed complaint form.

The following are not complaints:

(a) Oral allegations that are not reduced to writing and signed;
(b) Anonymous correspondence;
(c) Courtesy copies of correspondence or a complaint filed with others; or
(d) Inquiries that seek advice or information but do not seek action or intervention from the Department.

Section 102 Acknowledge the Complaint

A letter will be sent to the complainant to acknowledge
receipt of the complaint. The complainant will be informed that the complaint
will be evaluated to determine whether OCR has authority to investigate the
allegations. OCR also will inform the complainant that the complaint is being
evaluated and that further communications about the complaint will occur in
the near future. If not already provided by the complainant, a consent form
will be included with OCR's acknowledgement letter. The response will also include
a copy of "Information About OCR's Complaint Resolution Procedures."
(See Section 606.)

Section 103 Assign a Case Number and Establish
a File for Each Complaint

The case opening date is the date a complaint is received
by the appropriate OCR Enforcement office. Complaints received by email or by
fax over a weekend or on a holiday will be considered received on the next workday.
Upon receipt by the appropriate OCR Office, OCR assigns the incoming complaint
a case number. The office establishes a case file for each complaint. The complaint,
however it was filed, must be included in the case file.

In cases of multiple complaints, the following guidelines should be applied
in determining how many case numbers should be assigned:

(a) The office will assign a separate case number to each recipient1
named in the complaint. If, during the course of the investigation, OCR determines
that other recipients are involved in the alleged acts of discrimination, the
office will open separate complaints and assign a case number for each such
recipient; the case opening date for such complaints is the date determined
by OCR that the complaint should be opened.

(b) Complaints from more than one person against the same recipient that contain different allegations are treated as separate complaints.

(c) Complaints filed by more than one person that raise substantially identical allegations against the same recipient may be treated as one complaint and assigned one case number or, if received later, incorporated into an existing complaint. If the complaints raise individual allegations, the office should assign separate case numbers.

(d) New allegations filed by the same person against the same
recipient after complaint resolution has begun are reviewed on a case-by-case
basis to determine whether the allegations should be added to the open complaint
or treated as a new complaint.

Section 104 Determine Subject Matter Jurisdiction

OCR must have jurisdiction over the subject matter of the
complaint. For OCR to establish jurisdiction, the complaint must allege, or
OCR must be able to infer from the facts given, an allegation of: 1) discrimination
based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age, 2) discrimination
in violation of the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act, or 3) retaliation
for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by the civil
rights laws enforced by OCR, or as a result of making a complaint, testifying,
or participating in any manner in an OCR proceeding. 34 C.F.R. §§
100.7(e), 104.61, 106.71, 110.34; 28 C.F.R. § 35.134.

Under Title VI, OCR has jurisdiction to investigate complaints
involving program participants (e.g., students, parents) and certain employment
complaints based on race, color, or national origin. With respect to employment,
OCR has jurisdiction if (1) the alleged discrimination could adversely affect
program beneficiaries on the basis of race, color, or national origin, or (2)
a primary objective of the federal financial assistance is to provide employment.
See Section 601(b) for processing Title VI complaints
with respect to proprietary vocational schools. For employment complaints, OCR
follows procedures consistent with the employment coordinating regulations;
28 C.F.R. Part 42 and 29 C.F.R. Part 1691. See Section 601(c)
regarding these procedures.

Under Title IX, OCR has jurisdiction to investigate complaints
involving program participants (e.g., students, parents) and employment complaints
based on sex that involve educational programs and activities. For employment
complaints, OCR follows procedures consistent with the employment coordinating
regulations; 28 C.F.R. Part 42 and 29 C.F.R. Part 1691. See Section
601(c) regarding these procedures.

Under the Age Discrimination Act, OCR has jurisdiction to investigate
complaints involving program participants (e.g., students, parents). See Section
601(a)2 for instructions regarding referral of complaints to the Federal
Mediation and Conciliation Services (FMCS) before investigation. OCR does not
have jurisdiction over employment under the Age Discrimination Act. See Section
601(a)(1) for procedures on referral to EEOC.

Title II prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability
by public entities, whether or not they receive federal financial assistance.
OCR has jurisdiction over Title II complaints involving program participants
(e.g., students, parents) against public elementary and secondary education
systems and institutions, institutions of higher education and vocational education
(other than schools of medicine, dentistry, nursing, and other health-related
schools), and libraries. OCR also has jurisdiction over employment complaints
against these entities, subject to the provisions of the employment coordination
regulations at 28 C.F.R. Part 37 and 29 C.F.R. Part 1640, which address coordinating
disability employment complaints with DOJ and the EEOC. (See Section
601(e) regarding these procedures.)

Under the Boy Scouts Act, OCR has jurisdiction over complaints
alleging denial of equal access or a fair opportunity to meet to, or other discrimination
against, the Boy Scouts or other Title 36 U.S.C. youth groups. OCR’s jurisdiction
under this act is limited to public elementary schools, public secondary schools,
LEAs and SEAs that have a designated open forum or a limited public forum and
that received funds from the Department.

Section 105 Determine Personal Jurisdiction

OCR must also have jurisdiction over the institution alleged
to have discriminated. OCR has jurisdiction over institutions that receive federal
financial assistance from the Department, institutions for which OCR has been
delegated authority from other federal agencies, and certain public entities
(see n. 1). If a complaint is filed against an institution
OCR does not cover or does not state a claim under the statutes identified above,
OCR will not proceed further. When appropriate, the Enforcement Office will
refer the complaint to another agency.

In order for OCR to proceed, the complainant must provide
OCR with sufficient information to support the factual basis for the complainant’s
belief that discrimination has occurred and when it occurred. Generally, statistical
data alone are not sufficient, absent allegations that actions by a recipient,
if true, would violate one of the laws that OCR enforces. The complaint should
include a written explanation of what happened; a way to contact the complainant
(if complaint is filed by e-mail OCR must have the complainant’s actual
name and address); identification of the person or group injured by the alleged
discrimination; and identification of the person or institution alleged to have
discriminated.

OCR may contact the complainant by phone or in writing to request information
that will assist OCR to understand the basis for the complaint. OCR may close
a complaint where the complainant fails to provide information that is necessary
for OCR to proceed, provided that OCR has made a written request to the complainant
for the information and has informed the complainant that the complaint may
be closed if the information is not received within 20 calendar days (or a longer
period if warranted) of the date of the written request. If the complaint is
closed for failure to provide necessary information within the stated time period,
the complainant will be so informed in writing. In certain circumstances OCR
may identify information relevant to the evaluation through other sources (e.g.,
websites, public information).

If the complaint contains sufficient information with respect to at least one
allegation, but lacks sufficient information with respect to other allegations,
OCR will attempt to obtain the missing information, as described above. Where
sufficient information to support an allegation is not supplied within the 20-day
timeframe, the allegation will be closed; OCR will initiate complaint resolution
only for those allegations for which sufficient information has been provided.

When disclosure of the identity of the complainant is necessary, OCR will require
written consent before proceeding to complaint resolution. OCR does not need
a specific form from the complainant, but does need written confirmation that
the complainant authorizes OCR to disclose the complainant's name. A complainant
filing on behalf of another person is responsible for securing the written consent
from that individual, including when a parent files for a student over the age
of 18. Where the person is a minor (under the age of 18) or a legally incompetent
adult, the consent form must be signed by that person's parent or legal guardian.
Parental or legal guardian consent may not be required for persons under the
age of 18 if they are emancipated under state law and are therefore considered
to have obtained majority. Proof of emancipation or incompetence must be provided.
The written consent should include an assurance of cooperation with OCR's investigation
and complaint resolution activities. OCR will inform the complainant that the
complaint will be closed if written consent is not received within 20 calendar
days of the date of request. If OCR does not receive such timely written consent,
the complaint will be closed, and the complainant informed in writing.

Section 107 Determine Whether
the Complaint is Timely

OCR will take action only with respect to those complaint
allegations that have been filed within 180 calendar days of the date of the
last act of alleged discrimination unless the complainant is granted a waiver
under Section 108. The filing date of a complaint is the earlier of the following:

(a) the postmark of the complaint (or date of the e-mail, fax
or electronic submission);
(b) the date the complaint is received by any Department office; or
(c) for Title II complaints referred from DOJ, the date the complaint is received
by DOJ.

Timely complaints may include those where the complainant
alleges a continuing discriminatory policy or practice. The person or team evaluating
the complaint shall make the determination of the existence of a continuing
discriminatory policy or practice, in consultation with legal staff.

Section 108 Determine Whether a Waiver Should be
Granted

If a complaint is not filed in a timely manner, OCR will notify the complainant
of the opportunity to request a waiver. The Office Director, or designee,
may grant a waiver of the 180-day filing requirement under any of the following
circumstances:

(a) The complainant could not reasonably be expected to know
the act was discriminatory within the 180-day period, and the complaint was
filed within 60 days after the complainant became aware of the alleged discrimination;

(b) The complainant was unable to file a complaint because of
incapacitating illness or other incapacitating circumstances during the 180-day
period, and the complaint was filed within 60 days after the period of incapacitation
ended;

(c) The complainant filed a complaint alleging the same discriminatory
conduct within the 180-day period with another federal, state, or local civil
rights enforcement agency, and filed a complaint with OCR within 60 days after
the other agency had completed its investigation or notified the complainant
that it would take no further action;

(d) The complainant filed, within the 180-day period, an internal
grievance, including a due process hearing, alleging the same discriminatory
conduct that is the subject of the OCR complaint, and the complaint is filed
no later than 60 days after the internal grievance is concluded; or

If a waiver is not requested or requested but not granted,
the case will be closed and the complainant informed of the decision.

Section 109 Determine Whether
to Proceed Further with Complaint Resolution

There are a variety of reasons why OCR will decline to
proceed further with complaint allegations:

(a) The complaint has been investigated by another agency and
the resolution of the complaint meets OCR regulatory standards; i.e., all allegations
were investigated, appropriate legal standards were applied, and any remedies
secured meet OCR's standards.

(b) The complaint allegations are foreclosed by previous decisions
of the federal courts, the Secretary of Education, the Civil Rights Reviewing
Authority, or OCR policy determinations.

(c) OCR obtains credible information at any time indicating
that the allegations raised by the complaint have been resolved, or are moot
and there are no class-wide allegations. In such a case, OCR will attempt to
ascertain the apparent resolution. If OCR determines that there are no current
allegations appropriate for further complaint resolution, the complaint will
be closed.

(d) The Enforcement Office determines that its ability to complete
the investigation is substantially impaired by the complainant's or injured
party's refusal to provide information necessary for investigation of the complaint.
The Office will so inform the complainant or injured party in writing as soon
as possible. The letter must also inform the complainant or injured party that
if the necessary information is not provided within 20 calendar days of the
date of the letter, OCR will close the case.

(e) The complaint is so weak, insubstantial,
or lacking in detail that it is without merit, or so replete with incoherent
statements that it, as a whole, cannot be considered to be grounded in fact.

There are a variety of reasons why OCR may decline to proceed
further with complaint allegations:

(f) The complaint is a continuation of a
pattern of previously filed complaints involving the same or similar allegations
against the same recipient or other recipients that have been found factually
or legally insubstantial by OCR.

(g) The same allegations and issues of the
complaint have been addressed in a recently resolved OCR complaint or compliance
review.

(h) The complainant decides to withdraw his or her complaint.
If the complaint included class allegations, the office may:

close out the entire complaint;

pursue resolution of the class allegations; or

use the information to target future compliance review activity.

(i) Litigation has been filed raising the
same allegations. An OCR complaint may be re-filed within 60 days following
termination of the court proceeding if there has been no decision on the merits
or settlement of the complaint allegations. (Dismissal with prejudice is considered
a decision on the merits.)

(j) The same complaint allegations have been filed with another
federal, state, or local agency, or through a recipient’s internal grievance
procedures, including due process proceedings, and OCR anticipates that there
will be a comparable resolution process under comparable legal standards; i.e.,
all allegations were investigated, appropriate legal standards were applied,
and any remedies secured met OCR’s standards. The complainant should be
advised that she or he may re-file within 60 days of the completion of the other
entity’s action. Generally, OCR will not conduct its own investigation;
instead, OCR reviews the results of the other entity’s action and determines
whether the other entity provided a comparable process and met appropriate legal
standards.

(k) Some complaints over which OCR has jurisdiction may be
closed when OCR transfers or refers the complaint to another agency for investigation.
For clarification see Section 601, Special Intake Procedures.

(l) The death of the complainant or injured
party makes it impossible to investigate the allegations fully, or when the
death of the complainant or injured party forecloses the possibility of relief
because the complaint involved potential relief solely for the complainant or
injured party.

(m) A complaint, because of its scope,
may require extraordinary resources. In such instances, the Office Director
in consultation with the Enforcement Director and the Deputy Assistant Secretary
for Enforcement may consider treating such a complaint as a compliance review.
Similarly, a compliance review may be the most effective means of addressing
multiple individual complaints against the same recipient. If the Enforcement
Office selects this option, it should discuss the decision with the complainant(s),
close the complaint, assign a compliance review number, and initiate the review
as soon as possible. OCR will provide the complainant(s) with a copy of the
resolution documents upon completion of the compliance review.

Section 110 Notify the Parties Following Complaint
Evaluation

OCR will notify the complainant and, where appropriate,
the recipient whether OCR will proceed:

(a) If OCR decides not to proceed for one of the reasons identified
above, the letter to the complainant (and recipient if appropriate) will explain
the reason for the decision. All such letters will be approved by legal staff
assigned to the case. In addition, for closures under Sections 106 and 109 (a),
(b), (c), (e) and (k) the letter will be approved by the Chief Attorney or a
person specifically designated to act on behalf of the Chief Attorney.

(b) If OCR decides to proceed, the evaluation letters to the
complainant and recipient will contain:

the basis for the complaint;

a brief statement of the allegations over which OCR has jurisdiction;

a brief statement of OCR's jurisdiction over the complaint; and

an indication of when the parties will be contacted.

Where a letter is sent to the recipient, the document "Information
About OCR's Complaint Procedures" should be attached. OCR's objective is
to complete complaint evaluation promptly. The time required to complete the
evaluation of complaint allegations will vary depending upon the nature of the
complaint and the nature and sufficiency of the information provided to OCR.
For planning purposes, a target date for completion of complaint evaluation
should be established.

The ECR process facilitates the resolution of complaints by providing an opportunity
for the parties involved to resolve the allegations that prompted the complaint
voluntarily.

Section 201 Informing Parties of the ECR Process

If the office determines that ECR is appropriate and the
complainant and the recipient are willing to proceed, the office will initiate
ECR to facilitate an agreement between the recipient and the complainant. ECR
may take place at any time during the investigative process. OCR does not sign,
approve, or endorse any agreement reached between the parties. However, OCR
should assist both parties in understanding pertinent legal standards and possible
remedies.

Section 202 ECR Resolution

At the conclusion of ECR, OCR should obtain a copy of a
statement that the allegation has been resolved, signed by the complainant,
or a copy of any settlement agreement that has been signed by the complainant.
Once resolution of any allegation has been obtained, OCR may notify the parties
in writing that the allegation(s) has or have been resolved; other outstanding
issues, if any, are to be resolved through the investigation and resolution
process. (See Article III.) A copy of any agreement between
the parties should be attached to the resolution letter. (See Section
605 for more information on the ECR process.)

(a) Breach of Agreements

OCR will not monitor the agreement but will inform the parties
that if a breach occurs, the complainant has the right to file another complaint.
If such a new complaint is filed, OCR will address the original allegations
and will not address the alleged breach of the agreement. To be considered timely,
the new complaint must be filed either within 180 days of the date of the original
discrimination or within 60 days of the date the complainant obtains information
that a breach occurred, whichever date is later.

Section 203 Investigative Determination When ECR is Not Achieved

The office should monitor the process of ECR carefully
to ensure adequate time for completion of the investigation in the event that
ECR is unsuccessful. The investigation must be completed in accordance with
normal case processing standards and timelines. (See also Section
602.)

Article III INVESTIGATION AND RESOLUTION OF THE COMPLAINT
AND ISSUING LETTERS OF FINDING

OCR will keep the parties (complainants and recipients) informed of the progress
in resolving a complaint and will communicate with the parties regularly regarding
the status of any unresolved complaint. OCR staff will return the parties’
telephone calls promptly, by the end of the following business day. OCR staff
will acknowledge receipt of the parties’ substantive letters and emails
promptly and, where a response is needed, normally provide a response to those
letters and emails in a timely manner. These communications will be documented
in the case file.

Section 301 Case Planning

Case planning will begin as early as possible and will
be conducted throughout the life of every case to ensure high quality decisions,
prompt resolutions and efficient use of OCR resources. Planning decisions will
reflect sound legal standards and will be adjusted as necessary to take into
account new information obtained during case processing. Planning will be collaborative
and will include staff such as the attorney and the investigator, and, as appropriate,
a manager.

The following essential elements of case planning will
be addressed in every OCR case and placed in the file (unless inapplicable):

Management is accountable for effective planning and will
participate in critical planning decisions commensurate with the nature and
complexity of the case, to ensure consistent high quality casework.

The case file will contain documentation that supports
the decisions made with respect to each of the applicable essential planning
elements. Planning documentation should be organized so that it can be readily
located in the case file. In routine closures under Article I provisions, the
required documentation may be satisfied by the closure letter.

OCR staff will carefully plan all settlement activities.
These planning activities will ensure accountability for high quality and consistency
with OCR standards and will address:

After the investigation begins, a complaint may be resolved
in either of the following ways:

OCR determines that there is insufficient evidence to support a conclusion
of noncompliance; or

OCR determines that there is sufficient evidence to support a conclusion
of noncompliance and the recipient enters into an agreement.
(For recipients operating under federal court order see Section
604.)

The resolution letter will be reviewed and approved by
the Office Director and Chief Attorney or persons specifically designated to
act on their behalf. All resolution letters that make a determination under
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act will include the following language:
the complainant may file a private suit pursuant to section 203 of the Americans
with Disabilities Act, whether or not OCR finds a violation of Title II.

(a) Insufficient Evidence Determination

When OCR determines that the evidence does not support a conclusion
that the recipient failed to comply with applicable regulations, OCR will inform
the parties in writing. The resolution letter to the parties should include:

a statement of the complaint issues addressed by the letter;

a statement of OCR's jurisdiction over the complaint; and

sufficient explanation of the pertinent legal standard and factual analysis
so that those receiving the document can understand how OCR reached its
determination.

The case file should include an index of documents in the file
and a key referencing by tab of the evidence relied upon in making the determination.

The resolution letter will be reviewed and approved by the Office
Director and Chief Attorney, or persons specifically designated as acting on
their behalf

(b) Resolution Through an Agreement

When OCR determines that the evidence supports a conclusion
that the recipient failed to comply with applicable regulations, OCR will negotiate
with the recipient to reach a voluntary agreement. This agreement may be reached
before or after completion of an investigation but must be based on evidence
of legal non-compliance, rather than unfounded allegations or nonspecific concerns.

1. Statement of the Case

Whenever OCR enters into a resolution agreement a Statement
of the Case is required, which the Chief Attorney or designee must approve.
The file will include a Statement of the Case that sets out the issues investigated;
OCR’s basis for entering into a resolution agreement; and an explanation
of how the terms of the agreement are aligned with the issues investigated
and are consistent with applicable regulations. A cross-reference and/or key
to the evidence in the case file will also be included.

(i) Agreement Reached During An Investigation

A complaint may be resolved when, in the course of an investigation,
the recipient asks to resolve the complaint. Such a resolution agreement will
require that the recipient admit in some manner that it has acted as alleged
by the complainant or as the investigation thus far has indicated, although
the admission need not be in writing. This admission should be reflected in
the case file.

The provisions of the agreement will be aligned with the complaint
or the investigation information and will be consistent with applicable regulations.
The complaint will be considered resolved and the recipient deemed compliant
if the recipient enters into an agreement that, fully performed, will remedy
the identified violations. A copy of the agreement will be included with the
resolution letter.

(ii) Agreement Reached After Completion of Investigation

When OCR concludes that the recipient has violated applicable
law, OCR will contact the recipient, explain the basis for its conclusion,
and attempt to negotiate an agreement that resolves the identified areas of
noncompliance. The agreement must be consistent with policy and aligned with
the identified violation. The complaint will be considered resolved and the
recipient deemed compliant if the recipient enters into an agreement that,
fully performed, will remedy the identified violations. A copy of the agreement
will be included with the resolution letter. The file will include a Statement
of the Case as outlined above.

2. Guidelines for Agreements

Settlement planning will be documented in the case file
either separately or by reference to the resolution agreement.

(i) Settlement Agreements will:

be signed by a person with authority to bind the recipient;

be approved by the Chief Attorney or a person specifically designated
as acting on his/her behalf;

be approved by the Office Director or a person specifically designated
as acting on his/her behalf; and

include:

specific acts or steps the recipient will take to resolve compliance
issues;

dates for implementing each act or step; and

dates for submission of reports and documentation verifying implementation.

Where the agreement is memorialized through an exchange of letters, each of the above elements must be satisfied.

While many agreements may be fully implemented within
a short period of time, some agreements will involve more complex terms that
require additional time to complete. The general expectation is that settlement
agreements should be implemented and monitored for not more than two years
after its issuance of the resolution letter.

(ii) Following are examples of circumstances that may justify
extending the period of implementation and monitoring beyond two years:

action that cannot be completed without action by a legislative body;
or

action requiring the collection and analysis of data lasting more than
one school year.

A copy of the agreement will be attached to the resolution
letter.

3. Guidelines for Resolution Letters

In addition, after the agreement is signed, the resolution
letter to the parties should include:

(i) a statement of the complaint issues addressed by the
letter;
(ii) a statement of OCR’s jurisdiction over the complaint; and
(iii) sufficient explanation of the pertinent legal standard and factual analysis
so that those receiving the document can understand how OCR reached its determination.

The resolution letter will be approved by the Chief Attorney
and the Office Director or persons specifically designated as acting on their
behalf.

(c) Non-compliance Determination Without an Agreement

When OCR’s investigation has resulted in a determination
that the recipient has not complied with applicable regulations and the recipient
declines to enter into an agreement, the Enforcement Office will follow the
procedures in Section 306 and 307.

Section 303 Request for Review of OCR Decisions

(a) OCR is committed to a high quality resolution of every
case. OCR affords an opportunity for reconsideration of resolution or closure
decisions that include a determination adverse to the complainant. Notice of
the reconsideration process is provided to complainants in the information sheet
that is enclosed with OCR’s letter acknowledging receipt of the complaint
(CRIM Section 606). Notice of OCR’s reconsideration
process is also published on OCR’s Internet site: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaints-how.html.

In addition, OCR will provide a specific notice of the reconsideration process
in letters to complainants closing allegations or issues pursuant to the following
sections of the CRIM: 106, 109(e), (f),
(g), (i), (l),
(m) and 302(a).

In letters closing a complaint under the above-cited sections of the CRIM, the
complainant will be informed that any questions or concerns about OCR’s
case determination should be raised with the OCR staff person whose name appears
in the letter. The complainant also will be informed that if he or she still
has concerns after consulting the staff person, he or she may send a request
for reconsideration to the Office Director within 60 days of the date of the
letter and that contacting the staff person neither tolls the 60 day timeline
nor is a prerequisite to filing a request for reconsideration with the Office
Director. The complainant will be directed to be as specific as possible, focusing
on factual or legal concerns that could change the disposition of the case.
General dissatisfaction with the decision will not be sufficient.

Although a complainant generally is expected to submit a request for reconsideration
within 60 days of the date of the resolution letter, the Office Director may
exercise discretion in granting a waiver of the 60-day timeframe where:

the complainant was unable to submit the request for reconsideration
within the 60-day timeframe because of illness or other incapacitating
circumstances and the request was filed within 30 days after the period
of illness or incapacitation ended; or

If a complainant files a request for reconsideration with the
Office Director, the Office Director will issue a written decision on a request
for reconsideration as promptly as possible.

(b) The response from the Office Director will include notice
that if the complainant is dissatisfied with the decision of the Office Director,
the complainant may submit a request for reconsideration in writing to the office
of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement within 60 days of receipt
of the written decision of the Office Director. The complainant will be advised
to be as specific as possible, focusing on factual or legal questions that could
change the disposition of the case, and advised also that the Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Enforcement will not consider any issues or concerns that were
not raised with the Office Director. If the complainant raises a concern that
the Office Director inappropriately declined to waive the 60-day timeframe and
the Deputy Assistant Secretary determines that the waiver should have been granted,
the Deputy Assistant Secretary will return the case to the appropriate enforcement
office for reconsideration. The decision of the Deputy Assistant Secretary constitutes
the final agency decision.

Section 304 Monitor Post-Investigation OCR Agreements

OCR will promptly conduct its monitoring activities consistent
with the following standards and procedures.

(a) Verification of Recipient's Implementation

OCR will obtain sufficient information to determine whether
the commitments made by the recipient have been implemented consistent with
the terms of the settlement agreement. In many instances verification of remedial
actions can be accomplished by careful review of reports, documentation and
other information submitted by recipients and knowledgeable persons. In some
instances, a site visit may be required to verify actions taken by the recipient
or may be deemed the most efficient method of verification. Monitoring site
visits will be conducted as necessary to verify or ensure compliance with the
agreement and will be approved by the Office Director or by a person specifically
designated to act on behalf of the Director.

(b) Responding to Monitoring Reports

OCR will acknowledge receipt of monitoring reports promptly.
OCR will evaluate the report, and issue a decision as promptly as possible.
Substantive responses to interim monitoring reports (e.g. where OCR determines
actions taken are sufficient or insufficient under the agreement) must be approved
by an attorney and a manager.

(c) Changed Circumstances Affecting Agreements

1. Mootness or Change in Law or Policy

OCR may agree to modify or terminate the settlement
agreement if it learns that circumstances have arisen that fully resolve,
or render moot, some or all of the compliance concerns that were addressed
by the resolution agreement (e.g., further remedial action is not required
because the student has moved out of the school district or the programs at
issue no longer exist). OCR will also modify the agreement in response to
changes in controlling case law, statutes, regulations, or agency policy that
make some or all of the provisions contained in the agreement no longer legally
required.

2. New Compliance Issues

Compliance issues identified for the first time during
monitoring should, in consultation with the Office Director, be addressed
by providing technical assistance or opening a new complaint, or considered
for a future compliance review.

3. Implementation Problems

OCR will promptly provide written notice to the recipient
of any deficiencies with respect to implementation of terms of the agreement,
and will promptly request appropriate action to address such deficiencies.
Where a recipient notifies OCR that it will not carry out a provision of the
agreement in the agreed-upon time or manner, or when OCR reaches this determination,
OCR will take appropriate steps to address the problem. OCR may seek additional
commitments where necessary to address the failure of the recipient to implement
commitments in the original agreement. Appropriate investigative, legal and
management staff will participate in such determinations to ensure accountability
for high quality and consistency with OCR standards. If the Enforcement Office
and the recipient are unable to resolve any deficiencies in the implementation
of the agreement, the Enforcement Office should take appropriate action. (See
Section 404.)

4. Approval of Modifications

Any modifications to the agreement must be appended to
the original agreement. Modification of the agreement provisions, reporting
provisions, or timetable for completion or reporting will be documented in
the case file. Extensions of time of up to 30 days for each report may be
granted as authorized by the team leader or other management representative.
Other modifications to the agreement will be reviewed and approved by the
Office Director and Chief Attorney or persons specifically designated as acting
on their behalf. The Office Director or person specifically designated as
acting for the Director must approve any modification that would extend the
total monitoring period beyond two years from the date of the original agreement.
The recipient and the complainant will be notified, in writing, of significant
modifications to the agreement.

(d) Conclusion of Monitoring

OCR will conclude the monitoring of a case when it determines
that the recipient has fully implemented the terms of settlement agreement,
including any subsequent modifications to the agreement. The recipient and complainant
will be promptly notified in writing of this decision. The letter informing
the parties that monitoring is concluded will be reviewed and approved by the
Office Director and Chief Attorney or their designees.

Section 305 Notify the Department
of Justice (DOJ) or EEOC When Required

If a Title II complaint was referred to OCR by the Department
of Justice, OCR will send a copy of the letter resolving the case to DOJ. When
a Title II/504 employment discrimination complaint has been dual-filed with
EEOC and OCR and referred to OCR, OCR will notify the EEOC once the complaint
has been resolved. (For precision please refer to 28 C.F.R Part 37 and 29 C.F.R
Part 1640.)

Section 306 Prepare a Letter
of Findings

When OCR’s investigation has resulted in a determination
that the recipient has not complied with applicable regulations and the recipient
declines to enter into an agreement, the Enforcement Office will prepare a violation
letter of findings. The letter of findings will be prepared in consultation
with the Chief Attorney. The following information should be included, as appropriate,
in the violation Letter of Findings:

(a) A statement of OCR's jurisdictional authority, including
recipient status and the statutory basis for the investigation;

(b) A statement of each issue and the findings of fact for each,
supported by any necessary explanation or analysis of the evidence on which
the findings are based;

(c) Conclusions for each issue that reference the relevant facts,
the applicable regulation, and the appropriate legal standards;

(d) Notice that the LOF is not intended and should not be construed
to cover any other issue regarding the recipient's compliance;

(e) Notice of the time limit on OCR's settlement process and
the consequence of failure to reach settlement; and

(f) If a decision is made to defer final approval of any applications
by the recipient for additional federal financial assistance over what the recipient
is presently receiving, the letter also will provide notice of such possible
deferral. A separate deferral letter will be prepared if appropriate.

(g) Title II letters will include the following language: the
complainant may file a private suit pursuant to section 203 of the Americans
with Disabilities Act, whether or not OCR finds a violation of Title II.

The office should consult with the Enforcement Director,
the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement, and others as appropriate during
the preparation of this draft document and during any negotiations that may
occur after issuance of the LOF.

Section 307 Issue a Violation
Letter of Findings

The Chief Attorney and the Office Director will approve
the LOF. The LOF, and other documentation as appropriate, will be shared electronically
with the Enforcement Director. The Enforcement Director will obtain authorization
from the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and the Assistant Secretary
prior to instructing the Enforcement Office to issue the LOF.

If OCR is unable to negotiate a settlement with the recipient OCR will initiate
enforcement action. OCR may: (1) initiate administrative proceedings to suspend,
terminate, or refuse to grant or continue and defer ED financial assistance
to the recipient; or (2) refer the case to DOJ for judicial proceedings to enforce
any rights of the United States under any law of the United States.

Section 401 Initiate Administrative Proceedings
Where Appropriate

If post-LOF negotiations do not result in an agreement,
the Enforcement Office will notify the Office of the Assistant Secretary that
an administrative proceeding will be initiated. OCR will establish a team to
prosecute the case. If deferral of funds has been imposed, the Notice of Opportunity
will be issued within 30 days of the notice of the deferral action.

Section 402 Refer to DOJ Where
Appropriate

If post-LOF negotiations do not result in an agreement,
the Enforcement Office will notify the Office of the Assistant Secretary and
that office will issue a 10-day letter, informing the recipient that the case
will be referred to DOJ within 10 days of the date of the letter if an agreement
cannot be reached. OCR will prepare a draft of the referral letter to DOJ for
the General Counsel’s signature. The Enforcement Directors, in conjunction
with OGC, will consult with DOJ where appropriate.

Section 403 Move to Enforcement for Denial of
Access

Where the recipient has denied access to information necessary
to investigate the case (see Section 602), an LOF of violations
is not necessary to proceed to enforcement. No such action can be taken until
30 days have elapsed after notification of recipient. As soon as the Enforcement
Office concludes that the recipient will not voluntarily provide access, it
will notify the recipient of the Enforcement Office's determination and the
Enforcement Office's intention to recommend enforcement. The Enforcement Office
will then prepare a draft letter, which may include notice of OCR's intention
to impose deferral of funds. These documents will be forwarded to the Enforcement
Director and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement.

Section 404 Move to Enforcement
for Failure to Comply with OCR Agreement

Where the recipient has failed to comply with the agreement
it is necessary to prepare an LOF consistent with the procedures outlined under
Sections 305 and 306. If a new agreement
cannot be reached after issuance of the LOF, procedures set forth in Sections
401 and 402 will be followed, as appropriate.

The investigation procedures identified in the manual for complaint resolution
should be utilized for compliance reviews, where appropriate. The "start
date" is the date the on-site begins or, if there is no on-site, the date
that data are first requested from the recipient.

An age discrimination complaint is timely if it is filed within
180 days of the date the complainant first had knowledge of the alleged discrimination.

1. Employment Complaints

OCR does not have jurisdiction over employment complaints
under the Age Discrimination Act. Employment complaints filed by persons 40
and older are referred to the appropriate EEOC office, and the OCR complaint
is closed. Employment complaints filed by persons under 40 are not within
the jurisdiction of EEOC and may be closed with notice to the complainant
that there is no jurisdiction under the Act. If the complaint alleges age
discrimination in employment that is within EEOC's jurisdiction and also contains
allegations of discrimination in services within the jurisdiction of OCR,
the complaint is split into two separate cases. Each is given its own case
number, the age employment complaint is referred to EEOC with the OCR age
employment case being closed, and OCR proceeds with the age services complaint.

2. Service Complaints

All complete and timely (see 34 C.F.R. §§ 110.31
and 110.32) complaints containing an allegation of age discrimination in services,
including those also containing allegations under Title VI, Title IX, Title
II, and/or Section 504, are promptly referred to:

Copies of the complaint and letters of acknowledgment
to the complainant and recipient and a completed FMCS "Request for ADA
Mediation Assistance" must be included.

If the complaint is not resolved by FMCS within 60 days
from the date of filing with OCR, OCR will resume processing the complaint.
The date that the complaint, or any portion of a complaint, is sent to FMCS
shall be entered in CMS; the date that the complaint is referred back from
FMCS shall also be entered in CMS. FMCS’s processing time will, therefore,
not be included in OCR's case processing time.

The complainant will be informed that they may file a
civil action under the Age Discrimination Act in federal court only after
they have exhausted administrative remedies. Administrative remedies are exhausted
when either of the following has occurred: 1) 180 days have elapsed since
the filing of a complaint with OCR and OCR has made no finding, or 2) OCR
issues a finding in favor of the recipient.

(b) Title VI Complaints Against Proprietary
Schools

Authority to process Title VI complaints against proprietary
vocational schools (privately owned, profit-making enterprises that teach a
trade or skill leading to immediate employment) has, with certain exceptions,
been delegated to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Such complaints must be
forwarded to:

OCR must refer to the Department of Health and Human Services
Title VI complaints filed against a proprietary school operated by a hospital.
The complainant must be notified of the referral, and the complaint closed.

The following exceptions apply:

OCR remains responsible for enforcement of Title VI where a proprietary vocational school is operated by a college or university. See 38 C.F.R. § 18a.1(a).

OCR remains responsible for enforcement of Title VI where a proprietary vocational school offers non-degree courses for which credit is given and which, on transfer, would be accepted toward a baccalaureate or higher degree by a degree-granting institution. See 38 C.F.R. § 18a.1(b).

Race, national origin and sex discrimination in employment
complaints will be processed in accordance with the government-wide regulations.
OCR will:

Within ten days of receipt, notify the complainant and the recipient
that OCR has received the complaint, including the date, place and circumstances
of the alleged unlawful employment practice.

Within thirty days of receipt:

Determine whether OCR has jurisdiction over the complaint under Title
VI or Title IX.

Determine whether EEOC may have jurisdiction over the complaint.

Transfer to the EEOC all complaints over which OCR does not have jurisdiction
but over which EEOC may have jurisdiction. Notify the complainant and the
recipient of the transfer, the reason for the transfer, the location of
the EEOC office to which the complaint was transferred and that the date
the agency received the complaint will be deemed the date it was received
by EEOC.

Refer to the EEOC certain complaints over which both OCR and EEOC appear
to have jurisdiction (“joint complaints”), consistent with the
following guidance:

(i) Absent special circumstances, OCR will refer a joint complaint that solely
alleges employment discrimination against an individual.

(ii) Absent special circumstances, OCR will not refer a joint complaint alleging
a pattern or practice of employment discrimination.

(iii) Absent special circumstances, OCR will not refer a joint complaint
that alleges discrimination in employment and includes allegations regarding
other practices of a recipient. If, because of special circumstances, the
employment allegations of such a complaint are referred to EEOC, OCR will
assign a new case number to the allegations that are retained.

(iv) Notify the complainant and recipient of the action taken on the joint
complaint. In the case of a referral to EEOC, the notice will include the
location of the EEOC office to which the complaint was referred, the civil
rights provision(s) involved, the authority of EEOC under this regulation
and that the date the agency received the complaint will be deemed the date
it was received by EEOC.

(v) For those joint complaints retained for OCR investigation, OCR will contact
the EEOC to ensure that, in the event EEOC has also received the complaint,
EEOC defers its investigation.

OCR has jurisdiction to investigate Title II complaints against
public educational entities and libraries. If OCR receives an ADA-only complaint
over which it does not have jurisdiction, it should be referred to the Department
of Justice, then closed. The complainant should be notified of the referral.

(i) Disability employment complaints shall be referred to
the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division if OCR has no jurisdiction
under either Title II of the ADA or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
of 1973, and EEOC does not have jurisdiction under Title I (i.e., recipient
has fewer than 15 employees). If EEOC has jurisdiction under Title I (recipient
has 15 or more employees) the complaint shall be referred to them.

(ii) OCR shall defer individual complaints unless the complainant
elects to have OCR process the charge. OCR must notify the complainant that
he or she may choose whether to have OCR or the EEOC process the complaint
and that if the complainant would like OCR to process the complaint, OCR must
receive such written request within twenty calendar days of the date of the
letter. (28 C.F.R. § 37.8(a)(1)) If special circumstances make deferral inappropriate, OCR
and the appropriate agency may jointly determine to reallocate investigation
responsibilities. (28 C.F.R. § 37.8(e))

2. Retention

(i) If OCR has jurisdiction over a disability employment complaint
under Section 504, OCR shall retain the complaint if:

The EEOC does not have jurisdiction under Title I (i.e., if fewer than
15 employees);

The EEOC has jurisdiction, but the complainant elects to have OCR process
the complaint;

The complaint alleges discrimination in both employment and in other
practices or services covered by section 504; or

(ii) If OCR has jurisdiction under Title II of the ADA but not under Section
504 OCR shall retain jurisdiction over a complaint if it determines that
EEOC does not have jurisdiction under Title I. (28 C.F.R. §§ 37.6(d)(2)
and (3))

Section 602 Data Collection and Information Gathering

(a) Generally

Generally, OCR requests documentary evidence from the recipient,
develops interview questions based upon those data and any other available information,
and conducts interviews with the complainant, recipient personnel, and others
as appropriate. The exact approach taken to data/information collection will
vary from case to case depending on the issues raised, the extent to which relevant
data are in the control of the recipient or others, and investigation strategies.
Some general principles that should guide decision-making during data collection
include:

Label all evidence, both documents, electronic media, and written records
of contact, with information identifying the case being investigated and
the circumstances under which the evidence was obtained (e.g., where and
when an interview was conducted, and who provided a given document).

(b) OCR's Authority to Obtain Information

OCR has the right of access during a recipient's regular business
hours to recipient’s facilities and to information maintained by the recipient
that is necessary to determine compliance status on those issues under investigation.
See 34 C.F.R. § 100.6(c) and 34 C.F.R. § 99.31(a)(3)(iii). Generally,
this includes access to oral information from a recipient's employees as well
as to written or non-written information, such as electronic storage media,
microfilming, retrieval systems, and photocopies maintained by the recipient.
OCR, not the recipient, decides what information is relevant to a determination
of compliance.

OCR has no legal authority to require the complainant or any
other non-recipients to provide information.

See Section 106 regarding any case where
the complainant's refusal to provide information interferes with OCR's ability
to investigate the case.

(c) Requests for Records

1. Data Request Letters

A data request seeks information from the recipient relevant
to the investigation. It can be used to initiate information collection or
to request additional information after the primary information collection
activity has been completed.

2. Timeframes for Recipient's Response

The recipient will be given 15 calendar days from the
date of OCR's request to submit the information required. This timeframe may
be modified, at OCR’s discretion, depending on the nature and extent
of data and/or other special circumstances.

3. Data Provided by Recipient

A recipient must submit information as necessary for
OCR’s compliance activities. However, other federal regulations and
policies may restrict OCR's information requests:

(i) For example, unless the request is made in the context
of an ongoing complaint or compliance review investigation (see 5 C.F.R. §
1320.3), OCR may not generally require a recipient to record information on
a "form" or other standardized data collection instrument without
obtaining prior approval for its use by the Office of Management and Budget.
OCR may, however, suggest suitable formats to be used at the discretion of
the recipient as information collection instruments.

(ii) Similarly, OCR must consider federal policies concerning
paperwork burdens when requesting a recipient to do more than provide OCR
access to normally maintained information. Requests that a recipient manipulate
or compile information to meet an OCR need must be reasonable and take into
consideration the burden being placed on the recipient.

(iii) If a recipient invites OCR to come on-site and collect
the requested information, and provides OCR with sufficient access to files,
records, logs, and appropriate indexes for OCR to obtain the needed information,
then the recipient has provided OCR with the requisite access.

4. Confidentiality

OCR has access to a recipient's records, even if those
records identify individuals by name. To protect the confidential nature of
the records, OCR, for example, may permit the recipient to replace names with
a code and retain a key to the code. However, OCR should inform the recipient
that if at any time such a procedure impedes the timely investigation of the
case, OCR shall have access to the unmodified records. See also 20 U.S.C.
§§ 1232g(b)(1) and 1232g(b)(3) regarding the applicable provisions
of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

(d) Interviews

1. Introduction

Interviews are an integral part of most investigations.
The objective of interviews is to gain an understanding of the records and
data relevant to the issues in the case; to obtain information from and assess
the credibility of witnesses; and to evaluate recipient defenses.

2. Notice

Prior to initiating an interview, OCR should inform the
witness of the following:

(i) The general purpose of the interview, including OCR’s
role, what law or laws may be pertinent to the investigation, and where appropriate,
a brief explanation of what is under investigation.

(ii) The potential uses of the information to be obtained
from the witness and the Freedom of Information Act. A witness who wants a
more thorough explanation should be given a copy of the OCR Notice of Witness
Rights.

(iii) The witness’s right to personal representation
during the interview by a person of their choice.

(iv) If the witness is an employee of a recipient, his or
her right to refuse to have anyone else present during the interview and his
or her right to refuse to reveal the content of an interview.

(v) The regulatory provisions concerning prohibition of intimidating
or retaliatory acts by a recipient.

(vi) In most cases, the recipient's counsel will be allowed
to be present during upper level management interviews.

3. Privacy

Interview witnesses under circumstances that assure privacy.
An interpreter may be used if safeguards are taken to ensure the competence
of the interpreter and to protect the witness’s privacy.

OCR shall obtain written consent from a parent or guardian
prior to interviewing any person under 18 years of age or otherwise adjudicated
legally incompetent, for example, mentally impaired. Parental or legal guardian
consent may not be required for persons under 18 if they are emancipated under
state law and are therefore considered to have obtained majority. It may be
advisable to obtain proof of emancipation. Parental or legal guardian consent
may not be necessary when the questions asked are of a general nature, not
related to any specific events in which the minor was involved, and there
are no records kept to identify the student. If a recipient refuses to allow
minor students to be interviewed without consent even in the above circumstance,
written consent must be obtained. If parents or guardians refuse to provide
consent for an interview, and OCR determines that the child's information
is critical, OCR may attempt to secure parental or guardian consent by inviting
the parent or guardian to be present during the interview. If consent is denied,
OCR will not interview the child.

5. Records of Interviews

A written record of both telephone and in-person interviews
must be kept. Interviewers will notify interviewees if a tape recording is
used and tape recording will be done only with the consent of the interviewee.
If interviewers use tape recording, the tape becomes part of the case record
along with the written record. Regardless of the technique used during the
interview, a written record of the interview must be created.

The record of the interview to be placed in the case
file must contain the following information:

(i) case identification (name and case number);

(ii) name and identification of the interviewee, interviewer,
and any other person present (include an explanation for the presence of any
other persons);

(iii) date, time, and location of interview (including whether
the interview was conducted by telephone);

(iv) a record of whether the interviewee was informed of required
notifications; and

(v) written record reflecting the questions and responses
obtained during the interview (this need not be a verbatim transcript but
must accurately reflect the responses of the witness).

(e) Limitations on Obtaining Information

1. Actions Constituting Denial of Access

A recipient denies access to OCR when it:

(i) refuses to permit OCR access to written or unwritten
information, such as electronic storage media, microfilm, retrieval systems,
photocopies, etc., and the recipient's facilities during the recipient's normal
business hours;

(ii) refuses to permit OCR access to employees during recipient's
regular business hours;

(iii) fails to provide information by virtue of the refusal
of one of its employees to do so or to provide access to information maintained
exclusively by an employee in his/her official capacity; or

(i) If the refusal is stated orally, either in person or over
the telephone, the investigator should attempt to ascertain the exact basis
for the recipient's refusal, and attempt to explain OCR's authority or provide
other information to address the recipient's concerns.

(ii) If the investigator is unable to obtain access to the
requested information, the investigator will consult with OCR legal staff
(when on-site, this should be done over the telephone whenever possible before
the investigator leaves the recipient's premises). Where appropriate, OCR
legal staff should discuss the refusal to provide information directly with
the recipient's representative.

(iii) Where attempts to persuade a recipient to provide information
have failed, a letter should be prepared setting forth OCR's authority to
obtain access to the information and addressing any particular concerns expressed
by the recipient.

(iv) Whenever the office determines that compliance cannot
be achieved, the office shall recommend that the case be referred for enforcement.
(See Section III).

Section 603 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy
Act

The information OCR collects is analyzed by authorized
personnel within the agency and is used only for authorized civil rights compliance
and enforcement activities. In order to resolve a complaint OCR may need to
reveal certain information to persons outside the agency to verify facts or
gather additional information. Such information could include the age or physical
condition of a complainant. The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a, and
the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, govern the use of
personal information submitted to all federal agencies and their individual
components, including OCR.

The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a, regulates
the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of certain personal information
in federal agency files. OCR's investigation files have been exempted from the
provisions of the Privacy Act that provide individuals with access to records
maintained on them. The Department has published a Privacy Act system of records
notice entitled Complaint Files and Log, 18-08-01.

Third parties may not gain access to records about individuals
within a system of records without the consent of the subject individual except
as required by FOIA or pursuant to other statutory exceptions contained in the
Privacy Act. (5 U.S.C. § 552a(b)) The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA),
5 U.S.C. § 552, gives the public a right of access to records of federal
agencies. The FOIA is implemented by Department regulations. (34 C.F.R. Part
5)

Any requests for copies of documents or other access to
information contained in OCR's files should be referred to the Enforcement Office
staff responsible for handling FOIA and Privacy Act requests. Although each
request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, generally, OCR is not required
to release documents during the case resolution process or enforcement proceedings
if the release could affect OCR’s law enforcement activities. See 5 U.S.C.
§§ 552(b)(5) and (b)(7). Also, a federal agency may refuse a request
for records if their release would result in an unwarranted invasion of privacy
of an individual. See 5 U.S.C. § 552(b)(6). OCR will not reveal the name
or other identifying information about an individual unless it is necessary
for completion of an investigation or for enforcement activities against an
institution that violates the laws, or unless such information is required to
be disclosed under the FOIA or the Privacy Act.

Section 604 Recipients Operating Under Federal
Court Order

Enforcement Office legal staff will determine whether any
allegations made in a complaint are covered by a federal court order. If allegations
are covered by such an order, normal case processing procedures will be altered
as follows:

(a) United States a Party

The Office Director will inform the Enforcement Director and forward
to the Department of Justice (DOJ) a copy of the complaint and the court
order (if readily available) asking whether DOJ is currently active in the
district and whether OCR may proceed with an investigation. Based on DOJ’s
response OCR will either:

(i) Refer the case to DOJ; or
(ii) Proceed with an investigation.

Accordingly, the Enforcement Office will then close the complaint and
notify the complainant that the case has been referred to DOJ, or accept
the complaint and so notify the complainant in the letter of acknowledgment.

If OCR proceeds with an investigation, at the conclusion of its investigation,
the Enforcement Office will forward a report to DOJ of OCR's findings of
fact. If DOJ offers no objection, OCR will proceed to issue a resolution
letter consistent with routine case processing standards. (See Article
III)

(b) United States Not a Party

As part of evaluation of the complaint the Enforcement Office will consult
with parties about the current status of the court order and with the Litigation
Coordinator before proceeding to resolution.

If a violation LOF is issued, the LOF should notify the complainant
and recipient that if settlement is not achieved, the case would be referred
to DOJ for enforcement. If settlement is not achieved, refer to Section
402.

Section 605 Early Complaint Resolution

A mutually acceptable resolution reached between the complainant
and the recipient regarding the allegations.

(a) OCR's Role

To serve as facilitator

To inform the parties of the procedures, establish a constructive tone,
and encourage the parties to work in good faith toward a mutually acceptable
resolution

To maintain an impartial approach and inform the parties that OCR will
not insist on particular terms or any specific resolution

To review the allegations and make sure the parties understand the issues
that OCR has accepted for investigation, and, as appropriate, facilitating
an understanding of pertinent legal standards and possible remedies

To facilitate a discussion between the parties regarding possible actions
that the parties may consider in working toward a resolution

To offer assistance, as appropriate, with regard to reducing any resolution
to writing. If an agreement is reached, the parties are informed that OCR
will issue a closure letter reflecting the voluntary resolution of the complaint
by agreement of the parties.

(b) Role of the Participants

To participate in the discussions in good faith

To consider offers or suggestions with an open mind and to work constructively
toward a mutually acceptable resolution

To implement any agreement in good faith

Section 606 Information About OCR's Complaint
Resolution Procedures

OCR’s Role OCR enforces certain federal
civil rights laws that protect persons from discrimination based on race, color,
national origin, sex, disability and age. It also enforces laws that protect
certain youth groups from discrimination. OCR is a neutral fact finder and does
not represent the parties involved in the complaint process. The complainant
has the right to have a representative at all stages of the complaint process.

To resolve the complaint, OCR may need to collect and analyze
personal information. The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a, and the
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, govern the use of personal
information collected by OCR. OCR does not reveal the name or other personal
information about an individual unless it is necessary for completion of an
investigation or for enforcement activities against an institution that violates
the laws, or unless such information is required to be disclosed under the FOIA
or the Privacy Act.

Complaint Evaluation OCR reviews the information
provided to determine whether it indicates possible discrimination within OCR’s
jurisdiction. OCR contacts the complainant if more information is needed to
evaluate a complaint and OCR notifies the complainant in writing whether it
will proceed with the complaint. If OCR decides not to proceed, OCR provides
the reasons for the decision.

If, after evaluating a complaint, OCR decides it has jurisdiction
over the allegations, OCR notifies the complainant and the school district,
college or other entity where the discrimination was alleged to have occurred.

Investigation and Resolution The parties may
discuss complaint resolution at any time. OCR may provide assistance to the
parties in conducting voluntary resolution discussions.

If OCR’s investigation identifies a violation of law,
it contacts the responsible school district, college or entity and seeks a voluntary
agreement to correct the problem. OCR then issues a letter to the parties providing
the reasons for its determination and the actions that will be taken by the
entity to correct the problem. OCR will monitor these actions.

If OCR’s investigation does not identify a violation of
law, it sends a letter to the parties providing the reasons for its determination.

Reconsideration of OCR’s Decision If
the complainant disagrees with a decision to not proceed with a complaint or
a determination that the investigation did not establish a violation of law,
the complainant may ask OCR to reconsider the decision. A complainant may not
request reconsideration when OCR has investigated, found a compliance concern,
and entered into an agreement with a recipient. Requests for reconsideration
should be as specific as possible, focusing on factual or legal concerns that
could change the disposition of the case. General dissatisfaction with the decision
will not be sufficient. Any reconsideration request must be filed within 60
days of the date of the letter. Questions about procedures for requesting reconsideration
may be directed to the assigned OCR staff person.

Prohibition on Retaliation Institutions covered
by OCR’s laws shall not intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate
against anyone because they have asserted a right protected by the civil rights
laws OCR enforces, filed an OCR complaint or cooperated in an OCR investigation.
Anyone who believes he or she has been intimidated or retaliated against can
file a complaint with OCR.

1For simplicity this manual uses the term recipient throughout. A recipient is an entity that receives federal financial assistance, and with respect to Title II, the term is intended to include public entities whether or not they receive federal financial assistance.